OBI ISLANDS

also called Ombi Islands, group of the northern Moluccas, Maluku provinsi (province), Indonesia. They lie south of the island of Halmahera, north of the island of Ceram, and east of the Sula Islands. The principal island of the group is Obi Island, 52 miles (84 km) long and 28 miles (47 km) wide, which contains the only major village, Laiwui, located on the northeastern coast opposite Bisa Island. Obi Island is mountainous, with a peak of 5,285 feet (1,611 m) and a coastal plain around most of the island. Other major islands in the group are Bisa, Obilatu, and Tobalai. Claimed by the Dutch in 1682, the islands produce some sago, a starchy substance obtained from the pith of sago palms, and forest products. Pop. (1971) 12,437.